'Barkitecture 2013' event looking for crafty designers

EAST COUNTY  Two-legged East County residents with an eye for design who want to help our four-legged friends are being sought to be a part of “Barkitecture 2013” to help the El Cajon Animal Shelter.

The event is looking for creative types who can design, build and eventually donate a “doggy dream house” or “cat condo” to the ACES Foundation, a nonprofit that assists the shelter.

Donated dog houses and cat condos will be displayed for a period during late April at Parkway Plaza, then auctioned to the highest bidder at an April 28 reception.

“The primary goal of Barkitecture 2013 is to raise funds for the care and well being of the animals at El Cajon Animal Shelter,” said Peggy Buffo, past chairwoman of the ACES Foundation. “The mission of the grass roots community organization is to support the El Cajon Animal Shelter by raising money to enhance medical care, encourage animal adoptions, and promote public education about the proper care of animals.

Those who design and build a doghouse or cat condo will be included in local marketing. And during the display of the structures, Buffo said the public will be invited to vote on the best designed house and best overall house. On the afternoon of the auction, the winners will be announced and prizes awarded.

Entries, available at acesfoundation.org/barkitecture-opportunity-drawing/ are due by March 4.